Police in Karachi have apprehended four more prisoners who had escaped from Malir District Jail, also known as Bacha Jail, over a week ago, bringing the total number of prisoners rearrested so far to 157 while the manhunt for 68 prisoners is underway. The jail officials have said that raids are being conducted on the homes of these prisoners.

Police had arrested three more prisoners who had escaped from Malir District Jail eight days ago, bringing the total number of prisoners taken into custody so far to 152.  The jail officials said that raids are being conducted for the arrest of 73 prisoners, who are still at large.

A total of 225 prisoners had escaped from the jail, which prompted the authorities to launch a major search operation during which one prisoner was killed.  The incident also led to the removal of top prison officials, and DIG Jail Sukkur Aslam Malik was appointed as DIG Malir Jail instead.

More than 20 constables and head constables were also suspended over gross negligence.According to a notification issued by the chief secretary Sindh, Additional IG Malir will probe the incident. According to the jail and police officials, a string of mild earthquakes triggered the jailbreak as the prisoners ran in panic.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)